Page 28: of Marine News Magazine (December 2015)

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WIRELESS/ON BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

RHIB crew with DIAMOND tery to go ? at or a microphone to fail.

intercom and radio communications system.

Separately, the Drumgrange Maritime Interdiction Op- erating System (MIOS) is designed to expand operational capability for patrol and boarding operations. MIOS in- corporates automated navigation, position tracking, video and data links between a command vessel and deployable remote assets, including interdiction craft and boarding parties. The MIOS C3 system was developed by Drum- grange using MOTS (Military Off The Shelf) software and hardware. Specialist features include hands-free voice comms, an integrated comms helmet, portable computer, digital scanner and camera, secure digital imaging, hazard- ous gas detectors, position and track data.

Coop adds, “This marine C3 system provides the com- mand team, interdiction craft and boarding party with simultaneous, instant updates of asset location and the de- veloping tactical situation.”

Still another system offered by UK-based Ultra Elec- tronics – Graytronics Marine Communications & Inter- com System – is designed to provide clear audio under extreme conditions for civil forces and in military appli- cations. Intercoms used in an open marine environment suffer from background noise from engines and wind tur- bulence around the microphone. To overcome this noise,

Ultra Electronics has designed speech processors which modify the audio signal and allow only speci? ed frequen- Seizure (VBSS) are maritime boarding actions that range cies to pass through, greatly reducing noise and increasing from counter-narcotics and anti-piracy to conducting im- speech clarity. migration, customs, safety and ? sheries to other compli-

Bede O’Neill, Business Development Manager at Ultra ance inspections. Boarding team communications is part

Electronics explains, “Graytronics communication and of C3 (Command Control Communication) that enables intercom systems enable multiple radios, secure and non- VBSS and military teams to board other vessels with the secure, to be integrated with crew intercoms and marine option to talk ‘radio to radio’ or to a wider network, includ- safety helmets. A typical system comprises master control ing the boarding team boat crew and mother vessel.

box with connections for radio operators, crew intercoms Luxembourg-based SAVOX Communications Group and one to six radios. The wireless option enables the crew also has operations in Finland, Germany, France, the UK, to maintain communications while remote from the wired the US, Canada and China. The SAVOX IMP Mobile intercom, a necessity when performing Search and Rescue Platform is designed to deliver clear, reliable and robust operations. Fully backwards compatible with existing in- communications for military, SAR, law enforcement and stallations, Graytronics Wireless delivers a key system en- professional missions. SAVOX IMP offers a lightweight hancement with minimal disruption to installed systems.” Ethernet based digital solution where the man is the com-

Other system options include integration with water- munication interface. Con? gurable and scalable the sys- proof loud hailer, waterproof loudspeaker, waterproof tem can be con? gured for small crews or large vessels. The radio ? st microphone and waterproof mobile telephone programmable software enables integration of intercom, module. Notably, Ultra CCS Graytronics Communica- radio and high speed data transfer. tions systems are ? tted on the U.S. Coast Guard’s new The SAVOX user interface or Personal Control Unit

Long Range Interceptor-II Cutter Boats. (PCU) is a lightweight and ergonomic voice prompted

Patrol vessels are used increasingly around the world to unit providing control of intercom functions and instant protect large areas of water and coastline. The ship’s boat is access to two tactical radios. The PCU can be operated then launched to board a suspect craft. Visit, Board, Search, with one hand whilst wearing gloves, even when moving at

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